FAQ

In this section, you will find answers to many of your questions or additional information regarding the purchase, installation and use of Aqua-Wood wood pool products.

What is ACQ?

ACQ is the Alkaline Copper Quaternary based chemical product approved by Health Canada, that, once applied, produces a green colour and protects against rotting and termites.

Is the product applied when the wood is treated toxic?

No. The wood we use is pressure treated using a new ACQ green process that poses no danger to human health or to the environment and does not contaminated water. This new process is also called “alkaline copper preservative composite”.

The non-toxic and green ACQ process should not be confused with the toxic CCA** process.

** For several years already, the sale of chromated copper arsenate CCA has been forbidden.

What are the main factors of degradation that can affect wood?

There are 3 types of degradation such as the springing, weathering and biodegradation. Thankfully, it is possible to avoid these signs of degradation through adequate maintenance of your pool.

Can you explain the causes of wood deterioration?

Springing is caused by the repetitive contractions due to variations in the level of humidity. Weathering results from UV ray photo oxidation (sun damage). Finally, biodegradation, commonly known as rotting, is caused by microorganisms (fungus) feeding on the nutrients in the wood. Thanks to the chemical treatment the wood has undergone and an installation done to standards, Aqua-Wood pools are designed to provide resistance to these factors of deterioration.

In what environment is fungus found?

To survive, these microorganisms need an environment rich in humidity, heat and air, as well as minerals on which to feed. Thanks to the chemical treatment the wood has undergone and an installation done to standards, Aqua-Wood pools are designed to provide resistance to these factors of deterioration

How does an Aqua-Wood pool resist biodegradation?

Thanks to the chemical treatment the wood has undergone and an installation done to standards.

What is the proper installation method?

The area surrounding the pool must be adequately drained in order to keep humidity at a minimum. Also, the wood of the pool should not be in direct contact with arable soil, so the nutrients in the soil do not migrate into the wood over time. For more information, please see the section on installation.

Aqua-Wood uses sand for its installation. Why?

Because sand drains well and doesn’t hold any nutrients. Also sand moulds itself perfectly to the pool when it’s compacted.

Why do you recommend a perforated drain for the semi in ground installation?

To ensure better drainage around the pool in order to reduce the pressure on the walls of the pool and under the liner during heavy rain and thaw.

Why is it important to pour concrete over the strut supports of semi in ground oval models?

To prevent the straight walls of lifting under the pressure on the walls when weight is added.

Before digging, how you I make sure there aren’t any electrical wires orUnderground pipes?

In Québec, you can call INFO-EXCAVATION at 1-800-663-9228 for free information.

What measures can I take to reduce any risk of biodegradation after installation.

The most important measure is to avoid contact with soil by leaving a 12-inch space around the pool. Choose a landscape design that uses materials such as stone.

How do I maintain the pool?

Simply apply protection to the wood, available at any paint retailer, like all other wood exposed to harsh weather.

What product do you recommend for the maintenance of the pool?

We recommend a semi-transparent stain that is compatible with treated wood. The stain will provide your pool with waterproof protection that will significantly reduce springing and the stain’s colour pigmentation will reduce the effect of the sun’s UV rays.

How often do you recommend the application of the semi-transparent stain?

For best results, every 3 years on the walls, and once a year on the wood top rails

We are planning to buy an Aqua-Wood semi in ground oval pool with a sloped bottom. How deeply does it need to be installed?

The semi in ground oval pool must be installed at a minimum of 24 inches of depth and a maximum of 36 inches. We think that for best results, your pool should be installed at 24 inches of depth.

We are planning to buy an Aqua-Wood semi in ground oval pool with a sloped bottom. How deeply does it need to be installed?

The semi in ground oval pool must be installed at a minimum of 24 inches of depth and a maximum of 36 inches. We think that for best results, your pool should be installed at 24 inches of depth.

We have a site with an important slope that will make it necessary for the pool to be above ground on one end and in ground on the other. Can we install an Aqua-Wood pool?

Absolutely. Choose a round or oval above ground pool model. You will have to pour concrete under the struts of the oval model in the underground section.

What are the recommendations if we connect our deck to our above ground wood pool?

First, take out the front screw of the seat caps because you will not be able to reach them after the construction of the deck. After, the deck must not be attached to the pool. Finally, lay blue Styrofoam on the ground under the deck and cover it with crushed stone.

Why put Styrofoam under the deck?

The absence of snow will cause the ground to freeze, which could make the pool shift. Styrofoam will act as insulation.

Is winterizing an Aqua-Wood different from winterizing other pools?

No. It is performed the same way as for a conventional pool.

To what level do we have to empty our Aqua-Wood pool?

In an above ground installation, down to 18 inches under the water return, and for a semi in ground pool, to the lowest point between ground level and the water level.

When is the ideal time to close our Aqua-Wood semi in ground pool?

The heavy rains of autumn will soak the ground with water and create pressure on the pool’s vertical walls. This pressure is cancelled by inverted pressure created by the weight of the water in the pool. We recommend not lowering the level of water too soon. Wait for the first signs of frost.